Ultrasound

Muthu Meenakshi Hospitals offers ultrasound services. We use only top-quality ultrasound equipment that produces clear-quality images. We have ultrasound machines with 3D and 4D imaging and a whole-body doppler. 3D scans display still images of your baby in three dimensions. 4D scans display moving 3D images of your baby, with time being the fourth dimension. With 3D and 4D scans, you see your baby’s skin instead of its internal organs. They are considered safe like normal ultrasounds.

An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to generate images that allow the doctor to examine the inside of a patient’s body. It can be used to assess breast lumps, thyroid gland, check for gallbladder disease, or even tendons and muscles.

Preparation

You may be asked to fast for 8 to 12 hours before the ultrasound, mainly if your abdomen is being examined. This is because sound waves from an ultrasound can be blocked off by undigested food, thus making it difficult for the technician to obtain a clear picture. If the ultrasound is being done for examination of any of the gallbladder, pancreas, liver, or spleen, you may be asked to have a fat-free meal the evening before your test and to fast until the procedure. You may, however, drink water and take your medications. For other parts of the body, you may be told to drink lots of water and to hold your urine to make your bladder full so that it can be better visualized better.

Procedure

During an ultrasound, you will have to lie on a table and a clear gel will be applied to the area that is being examined. This gel helps in the transition of sound waves. A handheld device called a transducer, will be moved over the area being examined. High-frequency sound waves are sent through the body tissue from the transducer. When the sound waves reflect off structures, such as bones or organs, an image is created which will then be interpreted by your doctor.